Lagatar24 Desk
Ranchi: The Jharkhand High Court has taken a strict stance on the large number of vacant positions in state jails, with a division bench of Chief Justice MS Sonak and Justice Rajesh Shankar directing the state government and JPSC/JSSC to fill all vacancies within six months without fail. The court had earlier given the same six-month deadline on April 1. The Home Secretary and JSSC/JPSC Secretary have been directed to submit a compliance report by October 8, when the next hearing will be held.
Court Expresses Displeasure
The bench orally observed that neither the state government nor JSSC/JPSC has been giving the court accurate information about filling vacancies in the districts, and that time has repeatedly been sought in the name of filling posts without any real action being taken.
Over 81 Percent Posts Vacant
The court was informed during the hearing that more than 81 percent of posts in Jharkhand’s jails are currently lying vacant. The state government and JSSC told the court that the process of filling vacancies is underway, with JSSC having already issued advertisements for posts including Assistant Jailer, Jail Warder, and Medical Nursing Staff. Requisitions have been sought for filling other remaining posts.
The suo motu PIL was taken up by the Jharkhand High Court in the matter of jail reforms and the Model Jail Manual.
